Wii U less powerful than current gen, say devs

Anonymous developers have commented that the Wii U isn't on the same hardware performance level as the current generation PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

The Wii U's performance capabilities have been a lingering question since Nintendo debuted the system at last year's E3. It seemed roughly on-par with the current generation of consoles, but fans wondered if it might be a half-step forward from those systems. According to some developers, it's more like a half-step back.

"It's not up to the same level as the PS3 or the 360," an anonymous developer told GamesIndustry.biz. "The graphics are just not as powerful."

Another developer, at a different studio, agreed with the assessment, citing fewer shaders. "Some things are better, mostly as a result of it being a more modern design. But overall the Wii U just can't quite keep up." These comments run counter to recent statements from Vigil Games, which claimed the console is "on par" with the current generation.

One of the two sources also claimed that the controller set-up hasn't changed: only one Wii U touch pad controller, with other players using Wii remotes.

If the statements on hardware power are true, it wouldn't be too surprising from Nintendo. The company's Wii console saw great success without pushing the tech, and the lower cost of manufacturing gave Nintendo a nice healthy profit margin. Then again, if Microsoft and Sony roll out their next consoles in the near future, the Wii U could look obsolete much faster than Nintendo wants.

Steve Watts

Editor-In-Chief

Steve Watts' youthful memories are are a blur of pixels, princesses, castles, and Mega Busters. After writing about games as a pastime for years, he got his first shot at a paid gig at 1UP. He's freelanced for several sites since then, and found a friendly home at Shacknews. His editorial duties include news, reviews, features, and lunatic ravings. He lives in the Baltimore-Washington area with his shockingly understanding wife.